Whether you are a new sailor or an experienced captain, you need to make sure your vessel is equipped with everything you need before leaving the dock. Without the right supplies on board, the best-case scenario is that you’ll waste time on your planned trip going back to get something you need for an emergency.
That’s why here at Offshore Supply, we have built a collection of the finest marine supply products to support our customers with their voyages. Read on to find out what you need from this recommended checklist of essential equipment.
1. Safe Drinking Water Disinfectant
Safe drinking water is very easy to take for granted when on land, but it’s something that you need to prepare for when planning on going out to sea. The highest cases of illness on ships involved ingesting water contaminated with germs or bacteria. This contamination can occur for several reasons, such as exposure, but water also deteriorates like any food product and can generate its own micro-organism bacteria.
As a result, it’s essential to add appropriate disinfectants to your stores before leaving the dock. We stock various Hadex Water Treatment products including test kits, water quality strips and 2.5-litre bottles of safe food-grade water disinfectant. This effective product will even clean your vessels, pipelines, and tanks while making sure your drinking water is safe.
2. Personal Flotation Devices (PFDs)
Personal floating devices (PFDs), commonly known as life jackets, are crucial safety items that must be on every ship. Make sure to keep an inventory large enough to cover every passenger, and remember to check their quality regularly to see if they are in working order. You should visually inspect each jacket for physical wear and tear but also look deeper to see if any stitching is frayed across the jacket, straps, or the plastic of the buckets is bent. The last thing you want in this worst-case scenario is to leave someone without a buoyancy aid.
3. Fire Extinguishers
Fire safety is a top priority on any boat, making fire extinguishers another must-have item. With many boats decorated with flammable materials and the abundance of ignition sources from the combustion engines and flammable chemicals and fuels, fires can escalate out of control fast on a vessel.
Fires can be particularly dangerous on a boat due to the limited space and potential for rapid spread. Having functional fire extinguishers on board and knowing how to use them can help prevent and manage fire emergencies, protecting lives and the vessel.
4. Deck and Hull Cleaners
While a deck cleaner may sound like a tool simply to preserve your boat’s aesthetics, there are other reasons you should include some in your ship stores. Deck cleaners help remove any embedded dirt from boots, algae from sea spray, and mildew from wet weather that risks mould growth. Without an effective deck cleaner, not only will your vessel look visibly worse, but it will actually put its hull at risk from these issues.
We specialise in stocking a broad range of Unitor cleaners that will fulfil this role perfectly. For example, we recommend the Unitor Aquabreak PX 25 litre; this multipurpose cleaning and degreasing agent can be relied upon to eliminate dirt, oil and other mess from any area of your boat. Its surfactant formulation also means it is a safe cleaner for food stations, textiles, and fibreglass and is even biodegradable as a low-toxic, non-caustic solvent free of hydrocarbons.
5. Emergency Radio and Distress Signals
In case of an emergency, having physical distress signals or a radio capable of transmitting on board is important for signalling help. Distress signals can include items such as flares, signalling mirrors, and a loud noise maker like a whistle or air horn. These tools can help rescuers locate you quickly in case of an emergency, ensuring a prompt response and assistance when needed.
6. Engine Cleaners and Coolant
Maintaining the cleanliness and optimal performance of a vessel’s engine is crucial for safety and efficiency. An engine cleaner plays a vital role by removing built-up deposits and contaminants that can impede engine performance. Essentially, a boiler coagulant prevents deposits on boiler surfaces, keeping sludge dispersed for removal during blowdown and avoiding tube overheating and damage. It also handles minor oil contamination, ensuring efficient boiler operation.
Equally important is the use of a high-quality coolant. Coolants are essential for regulating the temperature of the engine, preventing it from overheating or freezing. Cooltreat ELC offers comprehensive protection for engine cooling systems, preventing corrosion, cavitation, and erosion. Free of nitrites and silicates, it’s environmentally friendly and compatible with system components. With a lifespan of up to five years, it ensures optimal performance and safety for various cooling applications. These not only extend the lifespan of the engine but also ensure that the vessel operates smoothly and reliably, minimising the risk of breakdowns in critical situations.
7. Anchors and Rope
Anchors and ropes are equipment you should never sail without. A reliable anchor and sufficient length of rope are crucial for securely holding the boat in place, preventing drifting or accidents either out at sea or in a dock with other boats.
These should also be inspected for any frayed damage similar to the buoyancy aids listed previously, but signs of organic growth or impact damage from extended use should also be looked for. Taking the time to refresh your essential equipment like this is critical for safety on the high seas.
8. Sink, Drain and Toilette Cleaners
Unitor Gamazyme DPC is an effective solution to the problem of maintaining a sanitary ship and is used to clear blockages and slow drains in sinks and showers. Applied with water-soluble sachets (Solupac), its specialised bacterial strains and enzymes digest organic waste, transforming grease, fats, and starch into carbon dioxide and water. This biodegradable powder not only eliminates unpleasant odours but also enhances the biological activity in holding tanks and sewage treatment areas of the vessel.
9. Gauging Paste for Fuel Checks
Gasoline gauging paste is used on ships to accurately measure the level of liquids in tanks. Once applied to a dipping tape, it is lowered into a tank until it comes in contact with the stored liquid, which is revealed by a change in colour. It helps detect water or oil presence to guide proper maintenance and support ship safety by preventing overfilling or leaks. Accurate gauging is vital for optimal fuel management, ballast control, and cargo handling, contributing to the vessel’s overall operational efficiency and safety.
10. Emergency Repair Marine Tape
In emergency situations at sea, being prepared with marine tape can buy you crucial time to get back to shore for more in-depth repairs. Marine Spray Stop tape is essential for any vessel, preventing hazardous sprays from fuel, hot water, or steam leaks. Compliant with SOLAS Regulation 11-2/15.2.11, it ensures safety by insulating hot surfaces and shielding pipe connections. This cost-effective solution is indispensable for commercial marine, leisure, and superyacht markets, providing an additional layer of protection and peace of mind in your marine operations.
Online Marine Equipment Supplier
Before embarking on any voyage, it is important to double-check that your boat is equipped with these essential supplies. These supplies not only provide peace of mind but also contribute to a smooth and enjoyable boating experience. Remember, safety comes first when on any open water, be it lakes, canals, or the open sea.
Browse the options in our marine supply stores online to find your missing essentials today and guarantee you’re equipped for any situation on your next voyage.